Thanksgiving is the starting point of the holiday season in America. It is known for feasting with family members –indulging in roasted turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, etc. However, many families have special traditions that they partake in each year.
One word can describe an American Thanksgiving tradition: football. Most families like to watch a game on TV or even organize their own family ‘turkey bowl’! Some people go to the Thanksgiving parade in their hometown/city each year as a Thanksgiving tradition, while others donate time and service by volunteering at places such as an orphanage, old age home, soup kitchen, shelters, etc. There are families in which their traditions include the children cooking Thanksgiving dinner with a parent/grandparent or everyone sharing what they’re thankful for at the dinner table.
S.A.G.E. has a Thanksgiving tradition of its own in the form of an annual intergenerational luncheon. Beryl Katz, Executive Director of S.A.G.E., elaborates on this tradition. “We started the tradition in 1999, our first year assisting in Council Rock schools. Students really enjoy themselves and put on a good show for the seniors. One Thanksgiving, students were dressed in Wizard of Oz costumes and another year the football team and cheerleaders were servers. It is such a wonderful opportunity for folks to enjoy an afternoon of music and share a meal with other members of the community. We are especially grateful to Chartwells who have allowed us to continue this wonderful experience without any monetary outlay from the school district.”
This year’s luncheon took place at Richboro Middle School on Wednesday November 14th. The fun afternoon involved the talented and caring students of the Council Rock school district showcasing their musical talents while showing appreciation for S.A.G.E. volunteers and their contributions to education. Kathi Sherzer, Associate Director of S.A.G.E., was pleased with this year’s amazing feedback at Council Rock, as the district truly knows how to “give thanks to the community.” She adds, “It was wonderful seeing 60 members of the CR community come together, enjoy musical entertainment, [and] share a meal and tons of conversation. Folks loved the entertainment and greatly appreciated the efforts of the football team who did all the serving.”
Originally the luncheon was a way to promote S.A.G.E. within the community and recruit warm volunteers. Today, it has become another intergenerational learning experience that both students and seniors look forward to each year and that’s what S.A.G.E. is all about. What Thanksgiving traditions do you and your families have?
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